Patent filings are more of a legal tool than a product roadmap. Companies like Apple often file patents as a hedge against future lawsuits, or to as leverage if they file suit themselves. Patents rarely provide detailed information about future products or product features.

Except in this case, it does, according to our source. Our tipster says Apple has been experimenting with the system for some time.

However, the source cautioned that the system is experimental — and may or may not make it into future versions of iOS.

Apple has already admitted publicly that it is building a crowd-sourced traffic service using data gathered from millions of iPhones. The admission came as part of LocationGate; Apple admitted that it has been collecting anonymous traffic data for an “improved traffic service” it said would be delivered in the “next couple of years.”

If Apple does add location awareness to iCal, are there any privacy issues that might surface?